Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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298. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of local authorities that have applied for available fast-track funding options for the provision of social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4219/17]

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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300. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of voluntary housing agencies that have applied for available fast-track funding options for the provision of social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4221/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 298 and 300 together.

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the single-stage approval process for social housing capital construction schemes with a budget of less than €2m and up to 15 housing units.

To date, two local authorities have availed of this process in respect of construction projects they are advancing. A number of other proposals that may be advanced using this approach are currently being discussed between the local authorities in question and my Department, as part of the informal consultation that happens at technical level in the development of new construction proposals. I expect this will lead to further take-up on this initiative over time. This single stage approval process is available on a pilot basis to local authorities and currently does not include approved housing body led schemes.